South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides dispersed camping opportunities on Minnesota's glacial outwash plain, characterized by sandy soils and mixed pine forests. The terrain features gentle rolling hills with elevations ranging between 950-1,050 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85Ā°F during daytime hours, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with occasional frost.
What to do
Hiking exploration: County Road 233 serves as a primary access point with multiple side trails branching into the forest. Campers report the terrain is manageable for most fitness levels. "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock," notes Joslyn H. from South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours provide optimal viewing opportunities for local birds and mammals. "Quiet with lots of different bird sounds," reports Jason B. about his camping experience. Binoculars are recommended for spotting storks and other woodland species from a safe distance.
Star gazing: The limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing conditions during clear weather. Set up away from tree cover for unobstructed views. "Those epic silent nights, stars overhead, and pine-scented breezes" are highlights mentioned in visitor accounts of rustic camping near Edina, Minnesota.
What campers like
Convenient location: The proximity to urban areas makes this an accessible option for weekend getaways. "I love that it's so close to home," writes Joslyn H. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest, highlighting the practical advantage for Twin Cities residents seeking rustic camping.
Site privacy: The dispersed nature of camping areas provides separation between groups. "Nice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy," reports David R. Some campers recommend exploring beyond the first visible sites to find more secluded options.
Multiple vehicle access points: The network of forest roads offers various entry options depending on your preferred camping style. "There's lots of little spots off the main gravel road," notes Heather W., with gravel roads generally passable for standard vehicles during dry conditions.
What you should know
Vehicle considerations: While many sites accommodate standard cars, some areas present challenges. "Primitive roads; bring anything from AWD to 4Ć4 depending on your rig and route," advises one camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Seasonal hunting activity: Fall brings increased hunter presence in the area. "The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that's to be expected this time of year," reports David R. Wearing bright colors during hunting seasons is recommended.
Traffic patterns: Despite the remote setting, some forest roads experience regular vehicle traffic. "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it," cautions Ryan P. Setting up camp at least 50 feet from main roads improves both safety and noise conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Look for pull-through areas that provide natural boundaries for children. "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," notes Skip H. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about respectful wildlife observation, particularly regarding territorial birds. "Sand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack," warns Heather W. Maintain at least 100 feet of distance from nesting areas.
Time management: Traffic patterns affect noise levels throughout the day. "After 12 p.m., not much of anything," observes Skip H. regarding vehicle traffic, suggesting afternoons and evenings provide quieter conditions for family activities.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Large recreational vehicles face significant limitations in this area. "I had a county sheriff person tell me it's not lawful to park a trailer and they kicked me out," reports Jason B. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Site reconnaissance: Physically inspect potential parking areas before committing to a spot with an RV or trailer. "Branches over hung, and rested on our camper (8ft high) and in fact most sites were shaded," notes Gregory about overhead clearance issues.
Limited turnaround options: The narrow forest roads create challenges for larger vehicles. "One pull through area that I found," mentions Heather W., indicating the scarcity of suitable sites for vehicles requiring space to maneuver.
